Fusing Group Identity and Class-Based Politics

In respective post-election “taking stock” articles, Columbia History Professor Mark Lilla for the New York Times and Alex Seitz-Wald at NBC suggest how the Democratic Party can return to prominence. Lilla contends that Trump’s victory should mark the End of Identity Liberalism. Identity liberalism, as practiced by Democrats like Hillary Clinton, consists of appeals to discrete groups identified by race, ethnicity, gender, and sexually orientation. This is a losing strategy, Lilla argues, and must be rejected in favor of one that seeks to attract voters based on shared economic interests and overarching national goals.

Seitz-Wald is less dogmatic. In Democrats: Left in the Lurch, he contends that Democrats must choose between two strategies which he dubs the Ohio Path and the Arizona Path. Similar to Lilla’s prescription, the former consists of communicating to white working class voters an overt populist economic message while “de-prioritiz[ing] policies that are either unimportant or alienating to these voters, like immigration reform, and so-called identity issues.” Following the Arizona Path means more group identity politics based on near-term forecasts that the electorate will consist of an increasing percentage of Democratic voters of color. Seitz-Wald does not state a preference between the two paths.

What neither Lilla nor Seitz-Wald contemplate is an approach that recognizes that the white working class and the great majority of non-white voters share nearly identical economic interests and the differences between the groups will likely be ameliorated in a growing economy in which the bottom 50% reaps the preponderance of income gains.

Indeed, American history since the New Deal demonstrates that the fortunes of the white working class and minorities are joined at the hip. From the 1930s through the late 60s, African-Americans and other poor and working-class Americans saw their economic fortunes relative to the affluent rise substantially. It’s no coincidence that during the last fifteen years of this period, blacks achieved remarkable gains in civil rights.

While fortunes for the lower middle-class stagnated in the 70s, the poorest Americans saw their relative status continue to rise until Ronald Reagan took office. The whites who abandoned the Democratic party in 1980 may well have been motivated in part by resentment at their worsening economic condition under Jimmy Carter. Once in office, Reagan attacked unions, slashed the safety net, and with Democratic assistance, taxes on the wealthy. Since then, both the white lower middle-class African-Americans have seen their share of the nation’s wealth evanesce – a destabilizing trend made far worse by the free trade deals vigorously championed by Presidents from both parties.

Besides economic justice and civil rights for blacks, liberals made remarkable gains in a number of other areas from the mid-50s to the 70s. The environmental movement came to the fore as did the women’s rights and closely-related reproductive rights movements, and the United Farm Workers enjoyed important wins towards the end of this period. Over the past 36 years, however, all of these progressive groups have had been fighting rear-guard actions. The only identity group in America to see a meaningful improvement in its legal, and possibly economic, status since 1980 is gays.

To become the dominant national party again, Democrats must unite behind policies that serve the economic interests of poor, working-class, and middle-class Americans. This means fighting against every trade deal that pits fairly paid domestic workers against overseas laborers making 90% less. It also means fighting for, among other things, 1) higher taxes on the wealthy, 2) unions, 3) universal healthcare, 4) a tight safety net from birth to death, and 5) truly affordable higher education for all who are qualified. Indeed, this is so crucial for the party’s success, that it must adopt as a litmus test for its candidates a demonstrated commitment to redistribution of wealth and income down.

Democratic wins will result in a better quality of life for the great majority of Americans of color and the white working class. Other important progressive priorities will also get attention. For example, when Americans feel economically secure, they are more likely to support initiatives to protect the environment just as they supported civil rights in the mid-1960s.

Assuming the truth of this political paradigm, Democratic primary voters should have rallied behind Bernie Sanders. His long and documented record opposing “free trade” deals, meant he would have had a better chance to attract sufficient numbers of the white working class to beat Trump in the crucial Midwest. Were he elected, he would have fought harder for the working class and they would have fared better than under a Clinton presidency. Ultimately, this would have led to a greater willingness throughout the nation to address important social justice issues.

Still a major schism emerged between white and black Democrats. While whites narrowly preferred the more progressive Bernie Sanders, more than three times as many African-Americans voted for Hillary Clinton as they did for Sanders. This overwhelming support, which accounted for her comfortable margin of victory, puzzled many of us on the left. We believed Sanders’ record and rhetoric demonstrated, not only a greater commitment to the poor and working-class who are disproportionately black, but also to issues like police brutality and incarceration that are of particular importance to black Americans. Clinton, however, succeeded in convincing many African-Americans that Sanders’ focus on economic injustice bespoke an insufficient commitment to racial justice.

In order to regain power, therefore, Democrats must continually stress the commonality of interests between the white working-class and voters of color. They must also recognize that the latter along with women and those whose sexuality falls outside of the heteronormative have struggles that are distinct from those of poor and working-class whites. But they must do so in a way that does not diminish the outsize role that class and wealth at birth play in determining one’s future.

In their respective columns, Lilla and Seitz-Wald neglect to mention another critical priority for Democrats. Nominating candidates whose history is free of financial peccadilloes and any whiff of corruption. In seeking power, Democrats rightly stress the need for a government that is big and powerful enough to rein in integrated multi-national corporations and to protect the less fortunate from capitalism’s sharp edges.

There is a danger for wealthy ostensibly progressive candidates however in making this argument. When criticizing a system that has richly rewarded them, they risk charges of hypocrisy and self-righteousness. Many of Hillary Clinton’s supporters were baffled by the fact that their candidate was dogged by corruption charges and questions about her honesty. They argued that by any reasonable measure Donald Trump’s record in these areas is more egregious. Of course, most voters didn’t like Trump either and he ended up with many fewer votes nationally than Clinton.

But Clinton called for government to play a much greater role in alleviating various societal pathologies exacerbated by corporatism. Accordingly, her close relationship with Wall Street, which enriched her and her family beyond the wildest dreams of most Americans, and her refusal to publish her speeches to Goldman Sachs called into question her commitment to social justice – doubts that her decades-long record in public service failed to dispel.

It is important to note that President Obama has a remarkably scandal-free record and never faced any questions about his personal probity. Likewise, Bill Clinton was perceived as a crude parvenu and a cheater. But the only corruption charge against him was Whitewater which proved to be at the very worst a penny-ante scheme that cost the Clintons money.

Democrats must recognize that voters and the media hold them to a higher standard when it comes to allegations of dishonesty and self-dealing. Those who decry concentrated wealth and power have little credibility when they personally have parlayed political connections into many millions.

In sum, Democrats can return to power only if they run squeaky clean candidates with a documented commitment to economic and social justice. It’s going to be long road.

One Response to Fusing Group Identity and Class-Based Politics

“Democrats must recognize that voters and the media hold them to a higher standard when it comes to allegations of dishonesty and self-dealing. Those who decry concentrated wealth and power have little credibility when they personally have parlayed political connections into many millions.”

Another student who witnessed Wednesday’s massacre called out lawmakers on TV, looking directly into the camera & saying: “We’re children. You guys are the adults. You need to take some action & play a role. Work together, come

(Friday, Feb 16. 2018 12:30 AM)

over your politics, & get something done.” He added: “Ideas are great but without action, ideas stay ideas and children die.” https://goo.gl/X3UP58

Research suggests that as a means of keeping its viewers engaged & watching, YouTube systematically amplifies videos that r divisive/sensational/conspiratorial. And a new study by the Guardian also shows YouTube gave a 6-to-1

(Wednesday, Feb 7. 2018 10:42 AM)

preference2 Trump in 2016 w/o even a hint of RU manipulation, just American profiteering. Wherever u started, whether from a Trump or a Clinton search, the autoplay recommendation algorithm was likely 2push u in a pro-Trump direction. The more than 150M YouTube users in the US watched billions of such politically skewed videos, which undoubtedly had a lot of impact, particularly on those who had not yet made up their mind. https://goo.gl/mqtmUs

Devin Nunes & other Repubs are claiming the FISA law was misused to listen to communication from the Trump campaign, just 2 weeks after the House & Senate – including Devin Nunes – voted to reauthorize & expand the FISA surveillance authority. https://goo.gl/HPrtQGhttps://goo.gl/4naiHb

In a 08/25/13 letter obtained by Time, former T campaign adviser Carter Page bragged he was an Kremlin advisor. The ltr reads “Over the past 1/2yr, I have had the privilege 2serve as an informal advisor 2the staff of the Kremlin in prep

(Sunday, Feb 4. 2018 01:46 AM)

4their Presidency of the G-20 Summit next mo…”. So much 4the Nunes memo that implies the FBI improperly based its req4 FISA eavesdropping solely on the Steele dossier while Steele was working4 Dems. Fact is Page had long ago made himself a person of interest2 govt spooks, though perhaps Steele’s rpt did heighten attention 2the fact that Page was now tightly connected w/the Trump campaign. Good job Trump w/that extreme vetting (but then we all know extreme T’s extreme vetting is merely dogwhistle code that means immigrants will be screened4 whiteness). http://goo.gl/cKH2Vj

The NFL recently ruled that the Oakland Raiders complied with the Rooney Rule ahead of the official announcement that Jon Gruden was to be their next head coach. Now Mike Freeman of Bleacher Report says he’s hearing the league went

(Wednesday, Jan 24. 2018 07:41 AM)

easy on Oakland because it wants the Raiders to sign Colin Kaepernick. It is a logical move that might help2 inspire some of the local Oakland fanbase 4a couple more yrs until the team moves to Las Vegas. I hope it somehow works out. Unfortunately signing doesnt nec mean a real shot at playing & Kap’s game isnt one that ages well. https://goo.gl/efwV9b

A Tesla Model S, traveling 65MPH, crashed into the rear of a stationary fire truck working the scene of a freeway accident in Culver City, CA. A pattern is beginning 2emerge w/such vehicles. Turns out current semi-autonomous

(Wednesday, Jan 24. 2018 02:30 AM)

vehicles have difficulty detecting/responding2 unexpected stationary objects that are initially hidden by traffic, excessive sunshine glare, etc. The manuals 4these vehicles warn drivers 2remain attentive & prepared 2respond2 such objects, but the vehicles otherwise lull drivers into distraction. Personally I find even the ubiquitous cruise control creates a similar hazard & I only use it if traffic is light. http://goo.gl/iQBeYn

The FBI is investigating if a RU banker illegally funneled money 2the NRA in order to help T campaign. FBI has focused on the activities of Alexander Torshin, the deputy governor of RU’s central bank who is known 4his close

(Friday, Jan 19. 2018 02:04 AM)

relationships w/both Putin & NRA. Torshin was also seen speaking w/Trump Jr during a NRA gala in May 2016, when T got NRA’s endorsement. The NRA spent $30M to support T in the election – 3X what they spent on Mitt Romney. Most of that was money was spent by an arm of the NRA that is not req 2 disclose its donors. It is illegal to use foreign money to influence federal elections. https://goo.gl/j4URpf

A huge question re Michael Wolff’s provocative-yet-sloppy book is: How did he get so much access? Wolff apparently was able2 inhabit the West Wing 4 an extended period while collecting blockbuster quotes & assembling juicy anecdotes

(Thursday, Jan 18. 2018 02:57 AM)

that show the WH as inept/confused/amateurish. Wolff initially gained T trust by criticizing T coverage in the press. Wolff then worked his way into the WH by pitching he was writing a book titled: The Great Transition: The First 100 Days of the T Admin. During W’s visits he conducted himself w/assurance, playing up his relationship with T, telling ppl he’d known T a long time & that T called him /the best/. Nobody until John Kelly thought2 question W’s motives/presence. https://goo.gl/x7Nw1a

Today, on the MLK Jr holiday, Jorge Garcia, a 39yr-old landscaper from Lincoln Park, MI was deported to MX – despite having a spotless legal & tax record and a wife & 2 children – all of whom are US citizens. Mr Garcia is too old to

(Monday, Jan 15. 2018 11:38 PM)

qualify4 DACA, though it appears he would otherwise qualify. Whatever happened2 law enforcement &/or our court sys practicing discretion? Now it’s all about the total enforcement actions taken – govt agents, prosecutors, & increasingly r courts check their brains at the door. Meanwhile the racist/heartless Trump spent the day on 1 of his golf courses – which in & of itself makes a powerful statement compared 2prev Presidents. Despicable. https://goo.gl/hPcZXs

John V Tunney, US congressman & senator from CA who was once hailed 4his Kennedy­esque manner & whose 1970 Senate campaign inspired the Oscar-winning film “The Candidate” starring Robert Redford, died in LA on Jan 12 of prostate

As of 01/2018, China is refusing 2handle much of the West’s recycling anymore. China had been processing (or at least disposing of) at least 1/2 of the world’s waste paper/metals/plastic exports — 7.3M tons in 2016. China’s new ban

(Friday, Jan 12. 2018 03:57 AM)

covers imports of 24 kinds of solid waste, inc unsorted paper & low-grade PET plastic bottles. China also set new limits on impurity levels in other recyclables. Excess supply has caused the value of recycled feedstock 2 decline in recent yrs & reprocessing impure/mixed material is often not economical. China also says lrg amts of dirty/hazardous waste r often mixed in recycled material & this pollutes their enviro. https://goo.gl/Zt8iuY

The GOP tax bill will lower taxes for 95% of Americans in 2018, but within a decade 53% of Americans will pay more in taxes under the plan with 82.8% of the bill’s benefit going 2the top 1%.

(Tuesday, Dec 19. 2017 07:03 PM)

In 2018, the highest earners on avg will recv a larger tax cut than those making less. Those earning between $49,000 and $86,000 will receive an average cut of about $900, or roughly 1%. Those earning more than $733,000 would receive a cut of about $51,000, or roughly 6.9%. https://goo.gl/rHc16d

The Repub tax bill changes from a worldwide tax sys, which requires US companies 2pay US taxes on all their profits regardless of where it was earned, 2something called a territorial tax sys, under which co(s) don’t owe taxes 2the

(Tuesday, Dec 19. 2017 06:13 PM)

US govt on income /made/ offshore. More than ever, lrg business will juggle books 2show all profits r earned offshore. Such tax shenanigans also gives lrg business a competitive advantage over sml business who r not equipped 2undertake such machinations. Also, the new territorial tax sys will mean lrg business will no longer owe ANY tax if they repatriate /foreign/ earnings earned from this point forward. Thus while lrg business will show profits as earned abroad, the profits can still be sent here – where likely the profits were really earned. http://goo.gl/EwyxEx